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Brandon Soloff

Teaches at Chelsea Classical Studio

Brandon Soloff is a classically trained painter and portraitist, whose work has been commissioned throughout the United States and Europe. He currently lives and works in both New York City and Lyon, France. The primary focus of his work is people: portraits and nudes. He believes it is essential to paint from life. As the presence and character of each subject are never exactly alike, the experience of building a strong rapport with the subjects and models he finds necessary to paint a unique rendering on canvas.

His commissioned work has been of society, business, collegiate, and political personalities. Portrait sitters include Frederick Whittemore, David H. Koch Jr., Paul Raether, Didier Pineau-Valencienne, Dr.Stan Gaede, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Peace Sullivan, Yossi Friedman, the Reuttner Family, and others. Institutions where the portrait work is found, or affiliated with, include Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Morgan Stanley, Westmont College, KKR (Kohlberg, Kravitz and Roberts) and others.

Internationally known, Soloff has exhibited his work at the Hirschl & Adler Gallery (New York), Alan Stone Gallery (New York), Hammer Galleries (New York), The Royal Society Portrait Painters (London), Meredith Long Galleries (Houston), The Copley Society of Boston [Boston],Galerie Alexandre Butman (Paris), and others. Brandon Soloff studied extensively in Italy, France and the United States, concentrating on drawing and painting with Charles H. Cecil and D. Jeffrey Mims, fresco with Ben Long on the Transamerica Fresco Dome, and sculpture with Martine Vaugel. In addition he spent short stints with artists including Stephen Perkins, Jacob Collins, Frank Porcu, and a year at Haverford College. He studied and copied drawings and paintings in the Harvard Fogg Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Uffizi Gallery, the Louvre, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Musée Henner Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 2002, he co-founded Studio126ny in New York. He has also taught at the Art Students League of New York, Mims Studios, Charles H. Cecil Studios, Martine Vaugel Sculpture Studio, the Washington Art Association, Atelier Brunelli, Studio415ny, and the National Academy of Design.

Reviews of Brandon Soloff

(134 Reviews)
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 2/23/2020
    Great class but better suited for students who have done some drawing. It maybe a bit overwhelming for the absolute beginner.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 11/28/2019
    I learnt a lot from the instructors and got to dive straight into life drawing. However, I would say this is not a class for complete beginners, so the title is misleading and I’d love to see a real fundamentals class which is more guided and structured.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Courtney B. on 11/26/2019
    A great class, I’m a beginner and the instructor was able to help me tremendously!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Skye S. on 11/11/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 10/8/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Molly M. on 9/24/2019
    I loved this class. The instructor paid special attention to each student, tailoring his feedback and direction to their level of expertise. A really fun way to dip my toes back into drawing!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Wendy K. on 8/22/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Andrea G. on 8/21/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 8/1/2019
    I loved this class. The instructors were very knowledgeable about drawing and taught me a lot about it.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by xenia c. on 6/12/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Orly B. on 5/10/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Eva A. on 4/19/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 3/14/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Norvis A. on 2/27/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Toni M. on 2/14/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Anna M. on 1/31/2019
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Giselda G. on 12/13/2018
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Colin F. on 11/26/2018
    ...excellent - professional and informative. Tutor quickly established the individual skill level and mirrored their response to ensure I understood and benefited from their shared wisdom. Other students were very welcoming, which made the creative atmosphere more enjoyable...a great experience!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Rose J. on 11/6/2018
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Maribel R. on 10/19/2018
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Isabel N. on 9/18/2018
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 9/12/2018
    The instructor was extremely helpful and did not have a heavy hand in guiding me. I learned more in 3 hours than I did in one year from my NYU design teacher.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Josephine L. on 7/17/2018
    I had fun and my drawing definitely improved by the end of the class.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 4/17/2018
    I enrolled under the assumption the class was fundamentals ie for beginners. The class was beyond too advanced for me. The class and teacher were by no means friendly or helpful. I would like to rescind my enrollment and look for another basic class if possible.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Michael M. on 2/14/2018
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 9/21/2017
    This was my first drawing classes. The teachers conveyed and illustrated techniques that guide the creation of a drawing.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Javiera R. on 9/14/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Israel D. on 9/7/2017
    Class is poorly organized with little or no organization and even less instruction. This class is not designed for one who is a beginner, wanting to study freehand drawing and should not be advertised as such.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Tricia M. on 8/17/2017
    The instructors and fellow classmates were so helpful and encouraging. AWESOME!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Miranda G. on 8/15/2017
    I signed up myself and my teenage daughter, whose training in the visual arts courtesy of the NYC public school system has been a real disappointment to me. I wanted my daughter to come away from this thinking "I CAN draw, I just didn't know HOW." That goal was not achieved. While I enjoyed myself--because I've had enough training to pick up a pencil and go, and to be receptive to teacher corrections--my kid was nowhere near ready to do that. She needed, and I expected (from the course description), three hours of active teacher attention in a classroom setting, learning fundamentals of how to see. I understand that the instructor (whom I really liked, and found personable and wise) needs to adjust to the abilities of whoever shows up for class that day; we simply needed a much more structured entry-level experience. I'm sad that I had to walk out halfway through, with a teen who felt frustrated, bored, and is still convinced that she has no artistic ability.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Anushka U. on 8/13/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Abigail W. on 8/2/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Cynthia P. on 7/27/2017
    Brandon was a patient and encouraging teacher!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Aleksandr L. on 7/14/2017
    Great intro class. Great teacher and a nice group of people. Highly recommend.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 6/22/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Karen K. on 6/21/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Tamar T. on 6/11/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 5/19/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Josephine S. on 4/14/2017
    Great beginners class! Everyone was super diverse and some were definitely more advance but I did not feel uncomfortable at all. The feedback was so helpful and I came out feeling very confident about continuing to practice my skill.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Katie P. on 3/17/2017
    Great class. It was my first drawing class and the teachers were really helpful in providing critical feedback to a beginner. Everyone else in the class seemed very advanced though - though the teachers seemed to take time to work with everyone on improving their craft.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Mali K. on 2/28/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Jackie T. on 2/17/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Denise T. on 2/14/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Hakima S. on 2/14/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Caitlin G. on 1/26/2017
    Good class, Brandon was patient and easy to get direction from.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 1/24/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Lydia P. on 1/17/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 1/3/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Meg F. on 1/3/2017
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Mercedes D. on 10/4/2016
    I really enjoyed this class. Nice small size, which afforded the instructor to provide guidance and suggestions on an individual basis. Definitely recommend and will return.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by MARIA B. on 8/29/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Sine M. on 8/23/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Sheri B. on 8/19/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Sara P. on 8/3/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Richard B. on 6/8/2016
    I enjoyed this class immensely even though I didn't know what to expect. I thought there would be more instructions on certain processes. The atmosphere was relaxing. The instructor offered advice from time to time and was positive in his attitude, which also helped give one a sense of ease which was important since this was my first life drawing class in decades. I very much recommend this course to anyone returning to draw or paint.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Yeonjung P. on 5/17/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by marina f. on 5/17/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Camille R. on 5/13/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by faihaa b. on 4/27/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Leah S. on 4/11/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Amy G. on 4/7/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Lea Viktoria D. on 4/4/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Tien N. on 3/29/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Ghita L. on 3/17/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Lori D. on 3/14/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 3/2/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Fiona H. on 2/25/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Fiona H. on 2/19/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Fiona H. on 2/16/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Elizabeth N. on 2/14/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Emily C. on 1/29/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Elizabeth N. on 1/29/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Kathy B. on 1/26/2016
    I was a true beginner and Brendan was so patient and not intimidatingly. I felt like I improved leaps and bounds over the three hours. I hope to take more classes from him.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Mateo M. on 1/18/2016
    The teachers are really good. I definitely learned a lot about drawing.
  • Composition in Color Values

    Reviewed by Kelly O. on 1/13/2016
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 1/6/2016
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Elie C. on 12/24/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Kristyna A. on 12/12/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Anna I. on 12/4/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by John O. on 12/2/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Xavier B. on 12/1/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Santiago H. on 11/30/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Darren H. on 11/26/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Mary C. on 11/24/2015
    A true NYC experience, never to be forgotten.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Darren H. on 11/20/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Anonymous review on 11/19/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by marisol T. on 11/17/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Anonymous review on 11/12/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Maisaa O. on 10/31/2015
    I liked my first experience, it gave me such a good start to be more confident in sketching and drawing. The first step is always the hardest, and I did it, with the help and the guidance of the teacher.
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Suzanne P. on 10/26/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Anonymous review on 10/20/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Gertrud Maria F. on 10/16/2015
    I enjoyed attending especially the portrait-painting class with Rick, who is an artist of great knowledge in his field and he has a splendid way of comunicating this to his students. Thank you, for these very rewarding lessons. Meeting other students is also a good way to broaden your perspective
  • Composition in Color Values

    Anonymous review on 10/15/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by elizabeth s. on 10/10/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by taylor y. on 10/8/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Florence A. on 9/30/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Magda E. on 9/28/2015
    Brandon is a very effective and inspiring teacher. I hadn't sketched in years and the class really helped me focus again and work my hand after years without practice. I was afraid the class might be intimidating, but found myself right at home. The class is non-demanding but at the same time inspiring. I think Brandon's critique and suggestions were all valid and enlightening and if I were staying longer in New York, i would definitely take more classes here.
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Nina K. on 9/25/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by Alexandra C. on 9/22/2015
  • Drawing Fundamentals

    Reviewed by France B. on 9/21/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Julia M. on 9/19/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Kevens D. on 9/19/2015
  • Underpainting Techniques & Grisaille

    Reviewed by Danna F. on 9/15/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Jaleesa S. on 9/12/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Jing C. on 9/11/2015
    Great class!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by kevens D. on 9/5/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 9/4/2015
    I enjoyed the class and its atmosphere!
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Lagina P. on 9/4/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Damayanti B. on 8/31/2015
    I had a fantastic time at the class. Brandon is an excellent instructor. He plays along the strength of each individual instead of teaching everyone the same thing. It's a great place for beginners as well as professionals. They also have live models on Thursdays and Fridays that gives students opportunity of conduct detailed studies on form and figure. I'd recommend taking drawing as well as oil painting lessons here. I sure am coming back soon.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Harper H. on 8/28/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Nadia T. on 8/14/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 8/8/2015
    I have been drawing for 20 years, went to art school and currently make a living with my work. Because of this class and instruction by Brandon, I have taken my drawings to the next level. I will certainly be taking more classes there.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Jowhara A. on 8/7/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Sharon L. on 8/4/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Rebecca P. on 7/24/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by sandra h. on 7/11/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Stephanie J. on 7/10/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 6/19/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Elisheva W. on 6/11/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Kristin O. on 5/8/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Monika J. on 3/2/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Anonymous review on 2/17/2015
    This was a great class and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to draw or refine their skills.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Marlene M. on 2/6/2015
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Esmeralda l. on 10/25/2014
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Kathryn C. on 10/24/2014
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Sesi A. on 10/11/2014
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Ilona H. on 10/7/2014
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Mo on 8/29/2014
    The teacher was great, and I loved the course. The location works the best for me too.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by David B on 7/31/2014
    I have not sketched for a long time until taking this course - I loved it and I have taken away may tips to improve my drawing.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by mario stanko on 5/20/2014
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by adele abrams on 11/7/2013
    Brandon is an excellent,patient and knowledgeable teacher. I am very new to drawing and he was able to give me advice and instructions based on my individual needs. I can't wait to go again.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Denise Mota on 10/1/2013
    I can say without concerns that Brandon is one of the best teachers I ever had. His knowledge is immense and he leads you thru your own path. His commitment to art, painting and drawing are inspiring. The studio is really cool, very organized with many courses and techniques.
  • Wednesday Night Painting Class

    Reviewed by Victor Kremer on 2/28/2013
    I've barely picked up a pencil in the last 30+ years, so it was both thrilling and somewhat intimidating to step into Brandon Soloff's cramped, atmospheric studio on W 26 St., surrounded by the trappings of Serious Art, alongside a small group of students who simply towered over me in terms of ability. The students were welcoming, the atmospherics were ideal (NPR quietly murmuring in the background) and Brandon's instructions were as deft and light as my sketching was heavy and lumbering. Best of all, Brandon let me make mistakes before providing guidance on how and where to correct, which made this a useful learning experience. I'd definitely recommend this class and, schedule permitting, I will return.
  • Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting

    Reviewed by Luca F on 1/24/2013
    Nice, friendly, professional environment. I'll definitely go for more lessons.

Classes taught by Brandon Soloff

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